Track Smack All Things NASCAR - 24/7
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Angie
The world was watching as Danica Patrick made her first stock car start at the Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200, an ARCA Series event at Daytona International Speedway.
Her foray into NASCAR has been eagerly anticipated since the announcement was made this past December that she was joining JR Motorsports. Fans and critics alike have been vocal in expressing their differing opinions.
A third contingent of fans took the wait and see attitude and Danica did not disappoint.
She qualified in the 12th position, stayed in the top ten for much of the race and ran as high as fifth at one point. On lap 54, however, she bumped fenders with Nelson Piquet Jr., spinning off the track and into the grass. She managed to straighten out her car and avoid the other drivers, exhibiting great car control. Continue reading →
Angie
Sergio Pena, driving for Revolution Racing and the Drive for Diversity program, made the most of his first start at Toyota Speedway in Irwindale, California this weekend.
He arrived at the speedway to begin a two step process that would give him the opportunity to race in the Toyota All Star Showdown.
First he had to earn his way into the event by competing in a qualifying race with his three teammates Thursday evening. He won easily making him eligible to qualify for the Showdown.
The next step for the 16 year old rookie from Virginia came on Friday when he would have to qualify for the chance to compete. He not only qualified but surprised everyone with an outstanding run, capturing the pole position. Joey Logano, 2009 Sprint Cup driver rookie of the year, qualified in second spot.
Saturday night the race began with Sergio Pena leading the first lap. Throughout the race the two drivers battled side by side, swapping the lead. Pena drove an almost flawless race keeping fans on the edge of their seats. Continue reading →
Angie
Dale Earnhardt Jr will begin the 2010 season under the glare of a spotlight. His fan base is known for its almost fanatical loyalty but his detractors are just as vocal. After the worst season of his career, both sides are waiting to see what he does next.
It’s interesting to note how two groups of people can look at the same person or situation and come to two completely different conclusions. Our perceptions are colored by life experiences, emotions and countless other variables. This usually results in heated debate especially when the subject is Dale Jr.
The first thing you’ll hear from many race fans is that Jr is not as good as his Daddy and he never will be. They’ll go on to tell you that he would never have gotten a chance to become a stock car driver if not for his famous father.
This may be true but what does it really mean? Continue reading →
Angie
This past Friday, while playing a game of basketball with some friends, Denny Hamlin suffered an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He announced his decision to put off surgery until the end of the 2010 Sprint Cup Season.
Before this injury occurred, the driver had been considered a favorite to unseat the reigning Champion Jimmie Johnson. This type of injury, however, can have a significant impact on any athlete and many have already eliminated Hamlin from Championship contention.
A few weeks ago, I also picked Hamlin as one to watch in 2010. During the 2009 Chase he had two engine failures and was involved in one crash. But in the remaining seven races of the Chase, he beat Jimmie five out of seven times, finishing fifth in the standings.
The effects of his injury on his ability to drive are yet to be seen. The fallout may be both physical and emotional. Every time Hamlin has an unsatisfactory finish this year, his reasoning for postponing the surgery will be questioned. He’ll have to stay focused and remain confident while ignoring the doubters. Continue reading →
Angie
The 2010 NASCAR Sprint Cup Series Media Tour presented one common theme throughout the event. The message was a promise of commitment to the drivers and fans to continue to listen and improve the sport.
As proof of this, they announced some exciting new changes for the upcoming season with an emphasis on putting the handling of the cars back in the hands of the drivers.
One of these changes involves lifting the bump drafting restrictions at Daytona and Talladega.
Vice President of Competition, Robin Pemberton put it this way.
“We will say boys, have at it and have a good time.” Continue reading →
Angie
The 2010 NASCAR season began for many fans on Friday at the Preseason Thunder Fan Fest at Daytona. With driver interviews featured throughout the weekend, it gives the fans a first look at the upcoming season and sets the stage for the Budweiser Shootout and the Daytona 500.
Dale Earnhardt Jr., sporting a full beard, seemed relaxed and confident as he talked about the disappointment of 2009 and his expectations for this year.
This is a completely different Dale Jr. than the one we saw at the end of 2009. His words towards the end of the season reflected his frustration and self doubt.
“I’m about to the end of my rope on it,” he said. “I’ve been riding it out, but there comes a point where you don’t want to ride it out no more. You’ve just had enough.”
On Friday, he spoke with a renewed passion and a quiet confidence. Continue reading →
Angie
The following is NOT to be taken seriously, just a humorous look at some of our favorite NASCAR drivers.
Everyone is giving their NASCAR predictions for 2010 so I thought I’d try something different. I’ve always believed in the merits of having a 5 year plan so the following is a list of my predictions for 2011-2015.
In 2015, Dale Earnhardt Jr. will leave NASCAR and pursue a career as a Country singer. His first single, “Going Backerds in a Race Car Ain’t as Fun as it Sounds,” debuts at number 1 on the charts.
Jeff Gordon is announced as the replacement for the retiring Regis Philbin in 2015. The new “Jeff & Kelly” show is a ratings failure. Apparently even the general public can’t stand Jeff’s constant whining. Continue reading →
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